Hibbard, Beck and Smith scoop Ospreys awards

Wales hooker Richard Hibbard won the first of three major gongs at the Ospreys end of year awards dinner last night.

Hibbard scooped his first Players' Player award, based on votes cast after every game this season by the match day squad. He beat competition from Duncan Jones and Ashley Beck.

Wales hopeful Ashley Beck was also honoured. The centre, who was knocking on the door of the Welsh team through the Six Nations, won the fans award beating current internationals Dan Biggar and Justin Tipuric.

Biggar did get honoured for his tremendous feat of reaching 100 appearances. The 22-year-old becomes the Ospreys youngest centurion and highest points scorer this season, overtaking Gavin Henson and James Hook. He sits just 27-points short of the 1000 milestone.

Meanwhile Tom Smith won the Coaches' Player award, with Biggar and Beck going close.

There were also acknowledgments for Welsh internationals Rhys Webb and Ryan Bevington, both players winning caps for reaching 50 player appearances. Beck and Richard Fussell also reached milestone.

The final award of the night was the Osprey of the year award, an gong everybody at the region, on or off the pitch, is eligible for.

It is designed to reward the person who has contributed the most throughout the year. Regional development manager and acting head coach of Bridgend Ravens, Ben Rose, scooped the prize to finish off the night.

"Coming just a matter of days after an impressive win over Newport Gwent Dragons in front of the season's highest crowd to book our place in the end of season play-offs for a third consecutive year it seems a highly appropriate time to reflect on what we've done over the last nine months and where we stand right now," said Managing Director, Roger Blyth.

"It's been a difficult year for many reasons, but we've not shied away from the many challenges that we've faced along the way, showing the kind of spirit and determination to succeed that is expected of an Osprey.

"We've continued to work hard towards our ultimate aim of delivering long-term, sustainable success and every one of the individuals honoured tonight can take great pride in their award, and also, the knowledge that they have played a part in what we hope will ultimately prove to be another successful season for the region, with a fourth Celtic League crown to round it off."

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Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top.

Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride.

When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend.

Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies.

The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities.

WRU TV: Hear from inside the Wales camp as Neil Jenkins discusses this weekend's clash with South Africa and how the squad are looking to put in a strong performance to round of the 2016 Under Armour Series